Electrolysis Notes

Simple explanation of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the process of decomposing (breaking down) an ionic substance, called an electrolyte, into simpler substances using electricity. The chemical reaction of electrolysis occurs when an electric current is passed through a solution containing ions (ions are charged atoms, they have more or less electrons than protons which causes an imbalance, the overall charge can be negative or positive).

For the electrolyte to conduct electricity, it must be:

An ionic compound

In molten or aqueous state

The process of Electrolysis: Electrolysis of an ionic substance

The ionic substance is heated until it melts.

The ions are able to move freely after the ionic substance is melted.

The power supply is connected and the electrodes are charged.

The ions move to the oppositely charged electrode (the negative electrons move to the positive electrode, called the anode, and the positive electrons move to the negative electrode, called the cathode).

The electrodes give/take electrons from the ions which makes the ions neutral.

The ions become atoms (because they are neutral) and are deposited onto the electrode.

Redox Reaction (Reduction and Oxidation)

Use OILRIG to remember this - Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).